The Pittsburgh Steelers had plans to work out Stanford Routt, the Houston Chronicle's John McClain reported, but the cornerback instead signed a deal with the Houston Texans, according to McClain.
The planned workout session with Routt indicated the Steelers are preparing for life without Ike Taylor, who suffered lower-leg injury Sunday.
Taylor left the 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens early and did not return. NFL Network reported Taylor is expected to miss 3-6 weeks, which could include playoff games. He has 32 tackles and an interception in 2012. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said at his Tuesday press conference that Taylor had fractured his right ankle. Taylor is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks.
Routt had not made much of an impression during his free-agent tour since being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs in early November. He previously had worked out for a number of teams, including the Detroit Lions and Texans. Routt was released by the Oakland Raiders in February.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.